| Kenan Stadium Quick Guide | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Team | North Carolina Tar Heels (NCAA Football – ACC) |
| Opened | November 24, 1927 (expanded and renovated multiple times) |
| Capacity | ~50,500 |
| Best Value Seats | Upper-level sideline sections for excellent views at a fair price |
| Premium Seating | Blue Zone, Luxury Suites, Concourse Clubs, and the Tar Heel Terrace |
| Top Stadium Foods | Local BBQ sandwiches, Chick-fil-A, Bojangles biscuits, and stadium dogs |
| Nearby Bars/Eats | He’s Not Here, Top of the Hill, Linda’s Bar & Grill, Carolina Brewery |
| Closest Hotels | The Carolina Inn, Graduate Chapel Hill, Aloft Chapel Hill |
| Transit Access | Chapel Hill Transit shuttles, park-and-ride locations, campus bus routes |
| Unique Highlights | Picturesque setting among pine trees, iconic Carolina blue seats, and a rich Tar Heel football history |
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Kenan Stadium Seating Chart
With a seating capacity of over 50,000, the stadium has borne witness to countless memorable moments in collegiate football, and In 2018, the metal bleachers that had been in place for almost half a century were replaced with individual seats, reducing capacity to 50,500. And in 2025, legendary former New England Patriots coach has taken the helm of the Tarheel Program. Here is the current UNC Football Seating Chart.
North Carolina Tar Heels Football Tickets
With some planning, you can get Tar Heel tickets relatively easily for most games. Here are your best options:
Get your North Carolina Football Tickets Here! With our partnership with Vivid Seats you can get tickets to UNC Football, legendary Tarheel Basketball, or just about any event on the planet.
Official Ticketing Website: The official ticketing website for the University of North Carolina is the most reliable source for purchasing tickets. Visit the official athletics website (goheels.com) and navigate to the ticketing section where you can find available tickets for upcoming games and purchase them directly.
SeatGeek Partnership: SeatGeek is UNC’s official ticket marketplace. Fans will find it convenient to handle ticket management and sales through SeatGeek’s acclaimed mobile platform.
The Rams Club: Your appointment time (shared with you via email and letter in mid-March) was determined by your Rams Club membership rank at the ticket deadline of March 3. For premium seating options, For questions on Football seating, pricing, and more please call The Rams Club at 919-843-2000.
Ticket Resale Groups: Online communities or social media groups dedicated to Tar Heel fans may have members looking to sell their extra tickets. These can be found on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, or fan forums.
Athletic Ticket Office: Patrons may contact the Athletic Ticket Office (800-722-HEEL) before an event in order to purchase a ticket, to inquire about seating for those with disabilities or to leave tickets at will call.
Recent Renovations to Kenan Stadium
Kenan Memorial Stadium has undergone extensive renovations over the past several years to modernize the historic venue while maintaining its character. In 2018, the stadium replaced metal bleachers with individual chairback seats, reducing capacity from 63,000 to 50,500 but dramatically improving fan comfort. The Kenan Football Center saw major expansion in 2022-2023 with a 9,840 square foot addition featuring new hydrotherapy facilities with three therapy pools, enhanced training areas, and renovated players’ lounges. In 2023, the stadium received a major lighting upgrade with more than 196 game lights and 16 moving spotlights installed, while the iconic Bell Tower had its fixtures replaced with LEDs.
Most significantly, following the hiring of head coach Bill Belichick in 2025, the stadium is returning to natural grass after six years of synthetic turf, requiring excavation of thousands of tons of gravel and installation of 67,000 square feet of sod that mirrors the field’s 2017-2019 appearance. While the university has been testing experimental premium suites as potential future additions, no major renovations have been announced beyond the ongoing grass conversion funded by The Rams Club.
Best Seats at Kenan Stadium
With its intimate horseshoe configuration and 50,500 individual chairback seats installed in 2018, Kenan Memorial Stadium offers excellent sightlines throughout the venue. The stadium’s compact design means there really aren’t any bad seats, but strategic choices can significantly enhance your game day experience. The North Carolina sideline is in front of sections 124-126, while the visiting team sideline is in front of sections 105-107, which helps determine optimal viewing angles for different types of fans.
Best Non-Premium Seats: The best seats at Kenan Memorial Stadium for a Tar Heels game are those in North and South Box, rows AA-NN in sections 105-107 and 124, rows TT-ZZ, AAA-CCC in sections 117 and 118, and rows E-N in sections 223-226. These seats provide excellent midfield views at the 50-yard line with optimal angles to see plays develop, while the lower rows (AA-NN) put you closer to the action. Sections 124-126 are particularly desirable as they’re on the Tar Heels’ sideline, giving you the best view of coaching interactions and team energy.
Best Value Seats: For the perfect balance of view and price, target sections 108-123 in rows 10-25, which offer solid midfield perspectives without premium pricing. The upper sections 200-230 in rows A-K provide surprisingly good elevated views of the entire field at more affordable prices. We think these seats allow you to see play formations develop better than lower sideline seats while avoiding the premium costs of club areas.
Best Budget Seats: For those looking to sit in the lively student section, you’ll want to look in sections 112-119 behind the West end though these are typically reserved for students. For general admission budget options, consider the upper end zone sections 231-236 or the corners where sections 100-102 meet the end zone. While you’ll be further from midfield action, end zone seats provide unique perspectives for goal-line plays and touchdowns, and the atmosphere is often electric with student energy nearby.
Pro Tip: There aren’t many options for those hoping to be shielded from the weather. However, you can find covered seating in rows QQ and above in section 100, section 20, South Box, and rows N and above in section 209 if weather protection is a priority, these are your only non-premium covered options, so book them early for games with questionable forecasts.
Premium Seating Options at Kenan Stadium
Kenan Memorial Stadium’s premium seating options have expanded significantly since the 2011 Blue Zone addition, transforming the historic venue into a modern football experience while maintaining its intimate charm. Completed in August 2011, the Blue Zone at Kenan Stadium takes you as close to the action as you can get without wearing a helmet. The Blue Zone offers four types of premium seating on three different levels – just feet from the action, and closer than any other seating in Kenan Stadium. These premium areas provide crucial relief from North Carolina’s heat and humidity while offering enhanced amenities that elevate the game day experience.
Blue Zone Premium Options: The Blue Zone features multiple tiers of premium seating. The Touchdown Club is located at field-level, just below the Concourse Club at the Blue Zone. Food and drink are provided with beer and wine available for purchase at a cash bar. The Concourse Club is located on the third floor (concourse level) of the Loudermilk Center for Excellence. The outdoor seats are supported by a large, climate-controlled club level with food and beverage service, luxurious amenities, and exclusive restrooms. The Upper Club offers an upscale experience with 600 seats located on the fifth floor of the Loudermilk Center for Excellence. All Blue Zone sections provide chairback seating with cushions and access to air-conditioned lounge areas.
Koury Boxes: The North & South Koury Boxes are located on the North and South sides of Kenan Stadium. Each club has outdoor seating for 200 and includes air-conditioned lounge areas, complimentary catered meals and non-alcoholic beverages, private restrooms, padded stadium seating, and a cash bar (wine and beer only). The Koury Boxes are some of the best seats at Kenan Memorial Stadium as they have a covered 50-yardline view and chairback seats with extra legroom. With complimentary food and soft drinks as well as a lounge area, it’s a luxurious option to watch Tar Heels football.
Pope Box: The Pope Box is located on the North side of Kenan Stadium and has outdoor seating for 1,050 guests. Pope Box amenities include: elevator access, air-conditioned lounge areas, complimentary catered meals and non-alcoholic beverages, private restrooms, padded stadium seating, and a cash bar (wine and beer only).
Luxury Suites and Terraces: The Blue Zone is also home to the Tar Heel Terraces. Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience for your group of 30-75 VIP guests? Treat your group in the Tar Heel Terraces! Rental of the Tar Heel Terrace includes exclusive use of the terrace during the game, catered buffet, access to a cash bar with beer and wine, private restrooms, and a great view. Private suites offer the ultimate premium experience with dedicated space for entertaining clients or large groups, complete with catering options and climate control for year-round comfort.
Best Bang for Your Buck: For premium seating value, the Blue Zone Concourse Club offers the sweet spot of amenities, location, and pricing. You get climate-controlled indoor space, excellent sightlines from the third floor, food and beverage service, and exclusive restrooms without paying for the ultra-premium Koury Box experience. The covered outdoor seating protects you from weather while keeping you close to the action, and the elevated perspective provides superior views of play development compared to field-level options.
Kenan Stadium Bag Policy
Unlike many stadiums with strict clear bag requirements, Kenan Memorial Stadium allows small purses, fanny packs, diaper bags, camera/binocular cases, and small bags, but all bags are subject to inspection prior to entry. Large bags and backpacks are prohibited, so keep your belongings minimal and in smaller carriers to ensure smooth entry through security checkpoints.
Additional Policies:
Cashless Stadium Policy: Food and merchandise transactions will continue to be cashless throughout Kenan Stadium, which limits contact between guests and employees while improving transaction flow and reducing wait times. Accepted payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay and Google Pay, so make sure to bring cards or have mobile payment apps ready before heading to concessions.
Prohibited Items Policy: The stadium maintains an extensive list of banned items including coolers, containers, food and beverages (except sealed plastic water bottles), umbrellas that can be opened in seating areas, noise makers like horns and whistles, weapons of any kind, and beach balls or balloons that could obstruct views or create safety hazards.
Camera and Recording Policy: Point-and-shoot cameras are permitted throughout the game, but video cameras may only be used during pre-game and halftime periods, ensuring broadcast rights are protected while still allowing fans to capture memorable moments during warm-ups and entertainment breaks.
For the complete list of stadium policies, prohibited items, and detailed guidelines, visit the official Kenan Memorial Stadium policies page on the UNC Athletics website to ensure you’re fully prepared for your game day experience.
Kenan Stadium Parking
Getting to Kenan Stadium requires strategic planning, especially for popular games, as parking is limited and campus traffic can be challenging on game days. The university has implemented various transportation solutions to help fans reach the stadium efficiently while managing the flow of over 50,000 attendees in the heart of Chapel Hill’s compact campus. Traffic is typically heaviest 1.5 hours prior to game time, and some campus roads are restricted to manage traffic flow, allowing only emergency vehicles, buses, and patrons with UNC season football parking permits access to certain areas.
Parking Options: Pre-paid public parking offers the most reliable option at $20 plus convenience fees, with permits valid for one-time use and scanned at entry. Public pay parking operates on a first-come, first-served basis using debit/credit cards, VISA, Mastercard, Discover, Apple Pay, or Google Pay – no cash is accepted.
Rams Club members receive hang tag parking passes based on their giving levels, providing priority access to closer lots. ADA parking is available for $25 in the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) lot off Mason Farm Road, with wheelchair accessible vans and buses providing transportation to Gates 2 and 6. On average, parking passes cost around $67, making advance planning essential for budget-conscious fans.
Tar Heel Express Shuttle: Chapel Hill Transit provides convenient shuttle service from three locations for $10 per person (kids 5 and under free). The Friday Center Park and Ride begins service three hours before kickoff, the Southern Village Park and Ride starts 1.5 hours prior, and downtown Franklin Street at Carolina Coffee Shop offers service starting three hours early. These shuttles eliminate parking hassles entirely and drop fans directly at the stadium.
Campus Shuttles and Accessibility: The Ambulatory Care Lot Game Day Shuttle provides transportation from the ACC lot to stadium Gates 2 and 6, beginning three hours before games and operating until 10 minutes after kickoff. This service is particularly valuable for fans with accessibility needs or those using ADA parking.
Ride Share Options: Uber, Lyft, and taxi services can drop off and pick up passengers at the designated area at the corner of Gale Lemerand Drive and West University Avenue. This option works well for fans staying in downtown Chapel Hill hotels or those who prefer not to deal with parking logistics.
Pro Tip: Book your Tar Heel Express shuttle pass online in advance and arrive at your chosen shuttle location early – the Friday Center Park and Ride often fills up fastest for big games, but the downtown Franklin Street pickup offers the bonus of pre-game dining and bar options within walking distance, making it the perfect choice for fans who want to maximize their Chapel Hill experience while avoiding parking headaches entirely.
For parking information visit: https://move.unc.edu/events/football/
Tar Heel Express
Chapel Hill Transit provides Tar Heel Express service to Kenan Stadium for every UNC home football game. This season, we are proud to announce service from two Park and Ride locations and a third from vibrant downtown Chapel Hill:
Shuttle Locations:
- Friday Center Park and Ride – starting three hours before game time
- Southern Village Park and Ride – starting 1.5 hours before game time
- Franklin Street at the Carolina Coffee Shop – starting three hours before game time
Cost: Passes are $10 per person. Kids 5 and under are free. Passes are sold at the lot or online.
Ride Share
Fans arriving via Lyft, taxi, or Uber can utilize the recommended drop-off and pickup point at the corner of Gale Lemerand Drive.
Campus Shuttle Services
Ambulatory Care Lot Game Day Shuttle provides shuttle service from the Ambulatory Care Lot to Kenan Stadium Gates 2 and 6 beginning 3 hours prior to the game and operates until 10 minutes after kick-off.
Kenan Stadium Insider Tips
With its intimate 50,500-seat configuration and rich traditions dating back to 1927, Kenan Stadium offers one of college football’s most authentic experiences. The arrival of Bill Belichick as head coach in 2025 has brought renewed excitement and some strategic changes that savvy fans should know about to maximize their game day experience.
Belichick Era Strategy: Arrive early to witness the intensity of pre-game warmups – Belichick’s meticulous preparation extends to detailed pre-game routines that are worth watching. The coaching staff’s NFL-level professionalism has elevated practice and warm-up sessions into mini-clinics for football enthusiasts who want to see championship-level preparation in action.
Natural Grass Advantage: With the 2025 return to natural grass after six years of turf, expect a different game experience with potentially more exciting plays and authentic football conditions. The new grass surface will also enable special field designs for marquee games, so keep an eye out for unique on-field artwork that wasn’t possible with synthetic turf.
Bell Tower Walk Timing: The iconic Bell Tower Walk starts two and a half hours before kickoff, but position yourself along the route 20-30 minutes early for the best viewing spots. The team follows the Marching Tar Heels from Bell Tower Drive to the Kenan Football Center steps, and the energy builds significantly as kickoff approaches.
Franklin Street Pre-Game: Skip the overpriced stadium concessions and hit Franklin Street beforehand – Top of the Hill (TOPO) offers the perfect rooftop view of the pre-game festivities, while Time Out’s legendary chicken cheddar biscuits provide the fuel you’ll need for four quarters of cheering.
Weather Protection Hack: Since covered seating is extremely limited, bring a small stadium cushion and dress in layers – the horseshoe design traps sound but also creates unpredictable wind patterns, and afternoon games can see dramatic temperature swings as shadows shift across the stadium. Here is the Forecast for Chapel Hill, NC from the National Weather Service.
Post-Game Franklin Street: Win or lose, Franklin Street transforms into a celebration after games, but the key is knowing which direction to walk – head toward He’s Not Here for the authentic college experience with those famous 33-oz Blue Cups, or toward The Crunkleton for craft cocktails if you prefer a more refined post-game debrief.
Hotels Near Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill offers excellent accommodation options that put you right in the heart of the action for UNC football weekends. The best strategy is staying within walking distance of Franklin Street, the vibrant main drag that connects downtown to campus and transforms into the epicenter of gameday festivities. Hotels on or near Franklin Street provide easy access to pre-game dining, post-game celebrations, and the iconic college town atmosphere, while properties closer to campus offer convenient stadium access without the need for parking or shuttles.
Upscale Hotels:
The Carolina Inn, A Destination by Hyatt Hotel – Located directly on UNC’s campus just one block from Franklin Street, this historic inn offers over 100 years of Southern hospitality with traditional charm and an unbeatable location for the ultimate Tar Heel experience.
Graduate by Hilton Chapel Hill – This university-themed boutique hotel features modern accommodations with Tar Heel touches throughout, situated an 18-minute walk from the stadium with stylish design that celebrates Carolina traditions. We generally love these Graduate by Hilton themed properties in college towns.
The Siena Hotel, Autograph Collection – Located directly on Franklin Street, this upscale property houses Il Palio, North Carolina’s only AAA Four Diamond Italian restaurant, combining luxury accommodations with world-class dining.
AC Hotel by Marriott Chapel Hill Downtown – Chapel Hill’s newest luxury addition sits just two blocks from campus in the heart of Franklin Street, offering contemporary European-inspired design with southern hospitality and modern amenities.
Mid-Tier Options:
Hyatt Place Chapel Hill/Southern Village – This upscale hotel sits in a vibrant mixed-use development featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options, providing modern comfort with easy access to both campus and local attractions.
Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill-Carrboro/Downtown – A reliable choice offering quality accommodations five minutes from the stadium with complimentary breakfast, clean rooms, and consistent service that Hampton Inn guests expect.
Aloft Chapel Hill – This contemporary hotel on the northeast side of Franklin Street provides modern style with easy access to local restaurants and attractions, including the nearby North Carolina Botanical Garden.
Budget Options:
Red Roof Inn Chapel Hill UNC – A straightforward budget option offering clean, comfortable rooms without unnecessary frills, perfect for fans who plan to spend most of their time exploring campus and Franklin Street.
Quality Inn Chapel Hill – University Area – This affordable property provides standard amenities close to campus with competitive rates for budget-conscious travelers looking for reliable accommodations.
Pro Tip: Book your hotel immediately after the football schedule is released – Chapel Hill has limited hotel inventory compared to larger college towns, and popular games (especially Duke, NC State, or any ranked opponent) sell out quickly, with remaining rooms often doubling in price as gameday approaches.
Restaurants/Bars Near Kenan Stadium
Franklin Street serves as the beating heart of Chapel Hill’s gameday experience, stretching from downtown through campus with over 95 cafes, restaurants, and bars – more than 75% locally and independently owned. This iconic strip transforms into a sea of Carolina Blue on football weekends, offering everything from dive bars with decades of history to upscale establishments perfect for pre-game dining.
The beauty of Franklin Street is its walkability – you can bar hop, grab dinner, and soak in the college atmosphere all within a few blocks, then easily walk to Kenan Stadium. Downtown Chapel Hill, particularly around the intersection of Franklin and Columbia Streets, provides the densest concentration of options and the most authentic Tar Heel experience.
Best Pregame Bars:
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery (TOPO) – The most iconic spot in Chapel Hill, this restaurant-brewery hybrid boasts the best view over downtown from its famous rooftop balcony. They’ve been brewing beer since 1996 and serve spirits from their own distillery, making it the perfect place to toast the Tar Heels before kickoff.
He’s Not Here – Chapel Hill’s most legendary bar, famous for serving beer in 33-oz “Blue Cups” that have become part of UNC folklore. The bar’s name comes from wives calling to find their husbands during the original owners’ divorces, making it a true piece of Chapel Hill history.
Four Corners – The ultimate sports bar experience with 20 high-definition TVs celebrating UNC athletics dynasty. Perfect for catching pre-game coverage while enjoying locally sourced food and craft beer in an atmosphere built for Tar Heel fans.
Beer Study – Craft beer enthusiasts’ paradise with over 20 beers on tap and extensive bottled options. They frequently host tasting events and serve as both bar and bottle shop, making it ideal for beer lovers wanting to sample local brews. This is my first stop in Chapel Hill.
The Crunkleton – For a more sophisticated pre-game experience, this members-only club ($5 entry fee) offers over 300 distilled spirits, barrel-aged cocktails, and craft beer in a refined yet laid-back atmosphere.
Great Chapel Hill Restaurants
Time Out – Opened in 1978, this 24/7 institution serves legendary chicken cheddar biscuits that are practically a Chapel Hill rite of passage. They also offer NC-style BBQ, southern comfort food, and the fuel you need for four quarters of cheering.
The Carolina Coffee Shop – As the longest-running restaurant in North Carolina, this Franklin Street staple has been serving Tar Heel fans for generations, offering classic American fare with unmatched historical significance.
Mediterranean Deli – A Chapel Hill favorite since 1991, this local gem provides fresh, authentic Mediterranean and Greek dishes including vegan and gluten-free options, perfect for pre-game fuel that won’t weigh you down.
Lantern – This nationally acclaimed restaurant earned its chef Andrea Reusing the 2011 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southeast and was named one of America’s top 50 restaurants by Gourmet Magazine, serving Asian-inspired fare with seasonal, local ingredients.
Sutton’s Drug Store – Established in 1923, this throwback serves classic shakes, burgers, and old-school soda fountain treats, offering a taste of Chapel Hill’s history alongside great comfort food.
Gameday Tips: Start your Franklin Street crawl at least 3-4 hours before kickoff to fully experience the atmosphere without rushing, and remember that most bars and restaurants get packed 2 hours before game time. TOPO’s rooftop fills up quickly for big games, so arrive early or have a backup plan. If you’re driving, park once and walk everywhere on Franklin Street rather than moving your car between venues. Finally, pace yourself – Chapel Hill’s bar scene is marathoner, not a sprint, and you’ll want energy left for the actual game and post-victory celebrations.
Things To Do In Chapel Hill
Whether you arrive early on Friday or stay late on Sunday, the town provides plenty of attractions that capture the essence of North Carolina’s rich heritage and university traditions.
Explore the Historic UNC Campus Take a self-guided stroll through one of America’s oldest public universities, featuring beautiful historic architecture, the iconic Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower, and the famous Old Well. The campus offers scenic walking paths, beautiful brick buildings dating back centuries, and the chance to experience the academic atmosphere that has shaped generations of Tar Heels, including Michael Jordan and countless other notable alumni.
Visit The Carolina Basketball Museum Even non-basketball fans will be captivated by this free museum showcasing UNC’s legendary basketball program, including Michael Jordan’s championship rings, recruitment letters, and all four national championship trophies. The introductory video alone will hook you on Carolina basketball history, and the memorabilia tells the story of one of college sports’ most successful programs.
Experience Franklin Street Shopping and Atmosphere Franklin Street serves as Chapel Hill’s vibrant main artery, lined with local bookstores, Carolina Blue merchandise shops, and unique boutiques perfect for souvenir hunting. Browse Johnny T-shirt for classic Tar Heel gear, explore independent bookstores, and soak in the energy of this iconic college town strip that transforms into a celebration corridor after every victory.
Discover the Ackland Art Museum This world-class museum houses over 19,000 works of art, featuring North Carolina’s premier collections of Asian art, European masterworks, and contemporary pieces, all with free admission. Since 1958, the Ackland has served as one of the state’s most important cultural resources, offering a sophisticated cultural experience that provides a perfect contrast to the excitement of gameday.
Explore Morehead Planetarium and Science Center One of America’s oldest planetariums, opened in 1949, offers immersive shows about astronomy, space exploration, and the universe’s wonders that appeal to visitors of all ages. The facility has served as both a university resource and community attraction for over 75 years, providing educational entertainment and a chance to reach for the stars in Chapel Hill.
Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of America’s best college towns, offering the perfect blend of academic prestige, Southern charm, and vibrant cultural life. Whether you’re visiting for a football game or exploring the broader Triangle region, Chapel Hill provides an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of North Carolina’s rich heritage and forward-thinking spirit.
Thanks for reading and check out these gameday guides as well:
Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte and Northwest Stadium in D.C
Clemson and Florida State
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.